From Festive Train Rides to Torch-Lit Parades, Discover Bradford This Christmas

From panto laughs to festive railway adventures, make it a Christmas less ordinary in Bradford, Haworth, Ilkley and Saltaire.

There are many ways to fill your festive diary across the Bradford district. Christmas shopping can become a day of browsing indie boutiques, while a trip to the panto is an excuse to get everyone together over food. Throw in torch-lit parades, living advent windows and magical fairytales, and your next festive day out is sorted.

Share the festive joy in Bradford city centre

Credit: Bradford Markets

It wouldn’t be Christmas without a panto – oh no it wouldn’t! Bradford’s Alhambra Theatre is whisking you off to Neverland, with panto legend Billy Pearce back as Smee, Myra DuBois making a splash as Magical MerMyra and Ryan Thomas causing trouble as Captain Hook. Expect pirates, a very friendly crocodile and laughs aplenty as The Pantomime Adventures of Peter Pan takes to the stage from Saturday 5th December 2026 to Sunday 17th January 2027.

Keep the festive fun going just steps away at Centenary Square, where the Bradford BID Wheel and a Victorian-style carousel return for Christmas. Take a spin on the big wheel for panoramic views across the city from 22 metres up, or let the kids pick their favourite horse for a whirl on the traditional carousel.

You can tick a few presents off your list at The Broadway, before making a beeline for Darley Street Market, where a pint from Northern Monk and a pizza from Jay’s Pizza Project make a tempting double act. There’s more than food on the festive menu, too, with wreath-making, cheese and wine evenings, and live music every weekend. One of the best additions to Bradford, it’s sure to be buzzing this Christmas.

Getting there: Bradford Interchange is around a 10-minute walk from the Alhambra Theatre, with City Park nearby.

Step into a traditional Christmas in Haworth

Credit: Christmas in Haworth

Haworth’s cobbled Main Street sets the scene for three weekends of Christmas celebrations. First comes the much-loved Torchlight Parade, with flaming torches, twinkling fairy wands and a procession after dark weaving through the streets in December. Music Weekend keeps the festivities going the following weekend, with brass bands, choirs, solo singers, ukulele groups and drum ensembles getting everyone in the festive spirit. Finally, Mary, Joseph and real-life donkeys take to the streets for the Nativity Procession on the final weekend before Christmas. All three events are free to attend – just wrap up warm and join the celebrations.

Leave time for a little Christmas shopping along Main Street, where the independent shops are as distinctive as the cobbles outside. Browse Cabinet of Curiosities, housed in a former Victorian apothecary, pick up sweet treats from And Chocolate and take a nostalgic trip to Mrs Beighton’s Sweet Shop. From homeware to tarot cards, there’s plenty beyond the usual stocking fillers.

Nearby, The Keighley & Worth Valley Railway is getting into the Christmas spirit with two festive adventures, with stops in Haworth. Hop on board the Elf Explorer from Oxenhope for a steam train ride with Santa, or experience a fresh take on A Christmas Carol as you chug through the Worth Valley. Elsewhere near Keighley, East Riddlesden Hall is dressing up for the season. Explore its decorated rooms or step into the story of Cinderella with a brand new immersive pantomime experience.

Getting there: Catch the Brontëbus B1, B2 or B3 from Keighley Bus Station to Haworth, then explore the village’s steep, cobbled Main Street on foot.

Wander the streets of Saltaire

Credit: Visit Bradford

Saltaire celebrates 25 years as a UNESCO World Heritage Site this December – a fitting reason to explore this unique Victorian village. Start at Salts Mill, where you can browse independent shops, stop for a bite and get your art fix under one roof. Its 1853 Gallery also houses an extensive collection of work by Bradford-born David Hockney, who passed away earlier this year.

Stick around after dusk to catch one of Saltaire’s best-loved Christmas traditions. Throughout December, the Living Advent Calendar lights up the village with festive window displays in homes, schools, shops and churches. More than 45 windows take part, giving you plenty to look out for as you wander the streets – wrap up warm and see how many you can spot.

Ready to warm up? Saltaire’s independent scene has lots to offer. Visit Cultures for a cheeseboard and natural wine, or head to microbar Cap and Collar to explore its craft beers. Fanny’s Ale House might look unassuming from the street, but inside you’ll find a lively pub with wooden floorboards, gas lighting and a maze of rooms where you can claim a cosy corner.

Getting there: Saltaire railway station puts you in the heart of the village, a short walk from Salts Mill, independent shops and cafés.

Tick off your Christmas shopping in Ilkley

Credit: Visit Bradford

If you want to get away from the bustle, head to Ilkley, where you can make a dent in your Christmas shopping list with a wander around the market town’s independent shops. Pick up skincare treats at Bath House, hunt for gifts at Nora’s and join the queue at award-winning butcher Lishman’s for something special for your Christmas dinner. Fancy swapping shopping bags for walking boots? Head up to the Cow and Calf rocks for a winter walk with views over Wharfedale.

Ilkley’s food and drink scene is worth the trip alone. Stop for craft beer, wine and charcuterie at Yorkshire-List favourites Friends of Ham, or tuck into homemade pasta and pizza at Emporio Italia. For a festive treat, The Box Tree’s creative set menus turn lunch or dinner into a special occasion. Visit on Sunday 6th or Sunday 20th December for street food and artisan gifts at the popular Real Markets.

Keep the festivities going at Ilkley Rugby Club, where the Ilkley Christmas teepees return with roaring fires, twinkling lights and festive tunes. They’re open Thursday to Sunday throughout December up until Christmas – ideal for a post-shopping mulled wine or a long-overdue catch-up with friends. Grab a seat, order a drink and lose yourself for a few hours.

Getting there: Ilkley’s railway and bus stations are centrally located, making it easy to explore the town’s shops, cafés and restaurants on foot.